The Surplus Government Property Disposal Board was established in the aftermath of World War I to recoup some of the immense costs of the war. One of its primary tasks was to deal with the surplus of vehicles that had been used by the armed forces during the conflict. In January 1919, it was reported that there were around 7,000 cars waiting for their fate at the Sunbury depot in Surrey. The public was concerned about the neglect and waste of these vehicles, which were exposed to the elements and in poor condition.
The Motor Cycle magazine also expressed its frustration at the wastage, noting that many of the cars would require extensive repairs before they could be used again. These vehicles had been subjected to harsh conditions during the war, including being run over, shelled, or buried on battlefields in Flanders.
At the same time, there were fears that the sudden influx of used cars into the market would hinder the British car industry’s efforts to transition back from war work. However, signs of progress were seen in March when a record-sized auction took place in Islington, London, where 104 cars and 200 motorbikes from the Sunbury depot were sold. This was followed by weekly vehicle auctions at the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre.
The Surplus Government Property Disposal Board faced its fair share of challenges in managing the surplus vehicles. One such challenge was the sale of its Slough depot, which had been criticized for its wastefulness. Eventually, a consortium led by Percival Perry, the former boss of Ford of Britain, purchased the depot and profited from the 15,000 vehicles stored there. They also convinced Citroën to establish a factory in Slough, leading to a successful trading estate.
Despite these successes, the board struggled to keep up with demand and manage the vast amount of surplus materials it had to sell. An advertisement placed in the Evening Mail listed an extensive array of items for sale, including factories, machinery, clothing, and even river and canal craft. The board also faced challenges in selling surplus aircraft and aero engines, with the process taking a decade to complete.
The Daily Mail reported on the immense accumulation of materials at a Nottingham munitions dump, highlighting the waste that had occurred. It was a stark reminder of the lives lost during the war and the need to properly manage and repurpose surplus resources.
Ultimately, the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board finished its work in March 1924, having handled millions of tons of material and recouped a significant amount of money. The board’s efforts were not without challenges, but they were able to generate revenue from abroad, particularly from war-torn countries like France and Belgium.
The story of the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in managing surplus resources after a major conflict. It highlights the importance of foresight and organization in repurposing these resources effectively for the benefit of the economy.